Rep. Kristine Singson, a dedicated Member of the Philippine House of Representatives, leads Ilocos Sur’s 2nd District with a focus on preserving and celebrating its rich cultural heritage.
Historic Landmarks
Ilocos Sur’s 2nd District is home to several iconic landmarks. The UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Santa Maria Church stands as a prime example of baroque architecture from the Spanish colonial era. This historic site draws visitors from around the world, showcasing the district’s deep historical roots.
Another notable site is the Saint John of Sahagun Church in Candon City. Known for its exquisite religious paintings and four-storey bell tower, this church embodies European influences dating back to Spanish rule. The preservation of this and other historic churches in the district highlights the community’s commitment to maintaining its rich cultural heritage.
Ancestral Houses
The district also boasts of numerous ancestral houses, including the Carino Ancestral House, now known as the Candon Museum. Donated by the Carino Family, it is believed to be the birthplace of Gabriela Silang. Other well-known ancestral houses include the Besa, De Guia, Bello, and Rodriguez Ancestral Houses. Their preservation is a testament to the district’s deep respect for its historical roots.
Cultural Initiatives
Following the 2022 Magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Northern Luzon, Rep. Singson collaborated with local government units to assess and repair damage to heritage sites. She called for a unified strategy to safeguard these treasures against future crises and swiftly initiated rehabilitation efforts.
In 2019, her father, Candon City Mayor Eric Singson, in partnership with the local government and the Council for Culture, Arts, and Tourism of the 2nd District of Ilocos Sur, launched the Candon Music Festival. As the project manager, Rep. Singson worked closely with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab to establish Ilocos Sur as a musical hub.
She also continuously supports Candon City’s Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, Chorale, and Children’s Choir through free voice and instrument lessons. Their mentors are graduates of the music scholarship program, and as of date, 312 students are enrolled. They also help loan instruments to students enrolled in the program.
Through the DTI Lungsod Lungsad, which aims to support creatives within local communities, music scholars received a grant last year and have applied for the same grant this year.
Infrastructure and Development
In an effort to support her young constituents in excelling in sports and music, Rep. Singson helped fund one of the most important infrastructures in her district, the Candon City Arena. The arena, with a 7,384-seating capacity, was completed through a total allocation of P775.091 Million sourced from the 2016 to 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Of this amount, P569.55 Million was during her term.
Deputy Speaker Singson often adorns herself in Inabel Iloko, a traditional Ilocano woven fabric rich in cultural and historical significance, during her official duties. She is committed to preserving Ilocano heritage and instilling pride through these intricately crafted garments.
The 2nd District is also home to beautiful natural attractions such as the Pinsal Falls in Sta. Maria, known for being the largest waterfall in the Ilocos Region.
Under the leadership of Rep. Kristine Singson, Ilocos Sur’s 2nd District continues to thrive, preserving its rich cultural heritage and fostering a sense of pride among its residents. Through her initiatives in culture, music, and infrastructure, Rep. Singson exemplifies a dedication to progress and development, ensuring that the district’s historical and cultural legacy is celebrated for generations to come.
